Stearns Chapter 15: The West And The Changing Balance Of Power

The Ming dynasty succeeded the Mongol Yuan dynasty in China. The Ming dynasty ruled from 1368 to 1644 and was known for its restoration of Chinese culture and traditions after the Mongol rule. The Ming dynasty is famous for its achievements in art, literature, and architecture, including the construction of the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The Renaissance began in Italy. This period of cultural and artistic rebirth occurred between the 14th and 17th centuries, primarily in cities such as Florence, Rome, and Venice. Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance due to its unique combination of factors including the rediscovery of classical texts, the patronage of wealthy families, and the flourishing of trade and commerce. Italian artists, writers, and scholars played a significant role in the development of humanism, the revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture, and the advancements in art, architecture, literature, and science that characterized the Renaissance.

During the 14th century, Europe experienced the devastating Black Death, a pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. This plague spread rapidly and had a profound impact on the population. The answer "One third" suggests that approximately 33% of the European population died as a result of the plague. This estimation is based on historical records and studies that indicate a significant and widespread loss of life during this period.

Ethnocentrism refers to the practice of evaluating and judging other cultures or ethnic groups based on the standards and practices of one's own culture. It involves believing that one's own cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors are superior or more correct than those of other cultures. This can lead to a biased and narrow-minded perspective, as individuals may fail to understand or appreciate the diversity and complexity of other cultures.

Zhenghe is the correct answer because he was the admiral who commanded China's great overseas expeditions between 1405 and 1433. He led a series of voyages known as the Treasure Voyages, which aimed to expand China's influence and establish diplomatic and trade relationships with other countries. Zhenghe's expeditions reached as far as Southeast Asia, India, and East Africa, making him a key figure in Chinese maritime history.

After the fall of the Abbasid caliphate, the emerging Ottoman Empire quickly gained control over most of the territories that were previously under the rule of the caliphate, including the Byzantine region. This suggests that the Ottoman Empire was able to consolidate power and establish a centralized government in these areas, leading to political unity and stability. This contrasts with the other statements which indicate political fragmentation and decentralized administration under the Seljuk Turks, the absence of centralized government due to Mongol conquests, or the region becoming part of the colonial empire of western Europe.

China is the correct answer because during the decline of Arabic trade, China actively sought to fill the commercial vacuum by expanding its trade networks and engaging in maritime trade. The Chinese embarked on voyages of exploration, led by Zheng He, which reached as far as Africa. They established trade routes and conducted extensive trade with various regions, including Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. China's efforts to fill the commercial vacuum left by the decline in Arabic trade had a significant impact on global trade and the spread of Chinese goods and culture.

In the decades around 1400, strong regional monarchies emerged in Spain and Portugal. This can be attributed to various factors such as the Reconquista in Spain, which saw the Christian kingdoms gradually reclaiming territory from the Muslim Moors, and the Age of Discovery, during which Portugal established a vast overseas empire. These developments led to the consolidation of power and the establishment of strong monarchies in both countries.

During the Renaissance period, there was a shift in focus from the spiritual and other-worldly aspects of medieval culture to a greater emphasis on the earthly world. Renaissance thinkers and artists were interested in exploring and understanding the natural world, human experiences, and the potential of human beings. This led to a revival of classical knowledge and a renewed interest in humanism, which celebrated the achievements and potential of individuals. The emphasis on the earthly world can be seen in the art, literature, and philosophy of the time, which often depicted scenes from daily life, celebrated human achievements, and explored human emotions and experiences.

Italy emerging as the center of the early Renaissance was not due to being spared the Black Plague. The Black Plague affected the entire continent of Europe, including Italy. The reasons for Italy's emergence as the center of the early Renaissance include its retention of Roman traditions, its advancements in banking and trade, its close contacts with foreign scholars, particularly those in late Byzantium, and its higher level of urbanization compared to other European countries.

The correct answer suggests that even though Arabic trade was reduced after 1100, Muslims still maintained their presence and participation in global markets. This implies that while the Arab trading complex may have experienced a decline, it did not completely collapse or confine itself solely to the Middle East. The answer highlights the resilience and continued involvement of Muslims in international trade despite the challenges they faced.

During the Ming dynasty, one of the significant innovations was the mounting of huge, state-sponsored trading expeditions throughout Asia and beyond. These expeditions, led by the famous explorer Zheng He, aimed to establish diplomatic relations, expand trade networks, and showcase Chinese power and wealth. These voyages were massive in scale, involving hundreds of ships and thousands of crew members. They helped to promote Chinese goods, culture, and influence in the regions they visited, contributing to the growth of maritime trade and the spread of Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

The West's lack of political coherence and organizing ability, the attack on the Catholic church, the disarray in the lives and economic activities of ordinary Europeans, and the population loss causing economic disarray and lack of strong leadership were all drawbacks to the West's emergence as a global power. However, the fact that the West did not begin to establish key maritime and commercial links until after 1600 was not a drawback as it happened later in their emergence as a global power.